Hyperventilation of the lungs: THE MAIN DANGER IN FREEDIVING

Hyperventilation of the lungs is a condition where a person breathes faster or deeper than necessary to maintain a normal level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood. This leads to a reduction in CO₂ levels in the blood, causing unpleasant and dangerous symptoms. The condition often occurs in stressful situations or during sports that require significant physical effort, such as freediving.

Many beginner freedivers breathe quickly and deeply before diving, believing it will allow them to hold their breath longer. However, the practice does not increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, but only reduces the level of CO₂, delaying the body's signals indicating the need to breathe, can lead to loss of consciousness underwater without any warning, which is extremely dangerous and can end tragically.

When a person breathes faster or deeper than necessary, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is washed out of the blood faster than it is produced. This leads to a decrease in CO₂ levels, causing the blood vessels to constrict, including those supplying blood to the brain, constriction causes dizziness, loss of consciousness, and even fainting.

Symptoms can be diverse and include:

• Dizziness: A feeling that everything around is spinning.
• Lightheadedness: A sensation of unreality or detachment from the body.
• Tingling in the extremities: A feeling of tingling in the hands and feet.
• Numbness around the mouth: Loss of sensitivity or tingling in the mouth area.
• Metallic taste in the mouth: An unusual taste that appears suddenly.
• Partial paralysis of the hands: A temporary feeling of weakness or inability to move the hands.
• Euphoria: An unusually elevated mood, which can be deceptive.

The symptoms are particularly dangerous before diving to depth!

To avoid this condition before diving, follow these simple recommendations:

• Slow and controlled inhalation and exhalation: Breathe slowly and deeply, but not excessively. This helps maintain normal CO₂ levels in the blood.
• Relaxation: Try to relax as much as possible. Tension and stress lead to faster breathing.
• Regular exercises: Perform exercises that help control inhalation and exhalation and avoid hyperventilation.
• Avoid intentional hyperventilation: Never use this as a method for preparing for freediving!

Useful exercises:

• Diaphragmatic breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, filling the lower part of the lungs, and then exhale slowly. This improves lung ventilation and maintains normal CO₂ levels.
• Box breathing: Inhale on a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale on a count of four, and hold again for a count of four. This calms the nervous system and stabilizes the breathing process.

This practice causes a number of negative effects that hinder successful diving:

• Increased heart rate: Raises the heart rate, increasing the body's oxygen consumption, making breath-holding less effective.
• Reduced blood flow to the brain: Blood is redistributed to the extremities, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing loss of consciousness.
• Risk of losing consciousness: Losing consciousness underwater is dangerous and can end tragically, especially if the freediver is at a significant depth and cannot quickly surface.

Hyperventilation of the lungs is a condition that is dangerous for freedivers. To avoid it, it is important to control the breathing process, relax, and follow the recommendations of experienced instructors. Remember that safety should always come first. By following the simple tips, you can enjoy freediving without risk and with maximum efficiency.

30.07.2024